15th travel related Zika virus case confirmed in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE – Health officials Friday announced that another travel related case of the Zika virus was discovered in Louisiana.

According to the Department of Health and Hospitals, the latest case brings the total to 15 cases of travel associated Zika confirmed in Louisiana.

Health officials say local transmission occurs when an infected mosquito bites another person and transmits the virus. The most recent case in the state occurred after an individual traveled to an area with an ongoing Zika outbreak.

Zika can also spread through sexual activity. Pregnant women should have their partners use a condom correctly every time or abstain from sex.

Health officials say the virus is of greatest threat to pregnant women, as their child may be at risk for severe birth defects because of an infection.

The case has been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.